The recent development regarding the shortfall in petrol supply has prompted oil marketers in Nigeria to consider importing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to supplement the supply from the Dangote Refinery. Despite initial plans for the refinery to produce 25 million liters of petrol daily, reports suggest that it is currently producing around 10 million liters, far short of national demand, which is estimated at 40 million liters per day.
Marketers, supported by the Trade Union Congress (TUC), have urged the refinery to ramp up production. In the meantime, they are preparing to import petrol to meet local demand, with independent petroleum marketers acquiring tank farms in Calabar and Lagos to facilitate this. The price of petrol has remained high, which has reduced consumption, as many Nigerians have been forced to reduce vehicle usage due to the high cost of fuel.
Discussions between marketers and Dangote Refinery officials are ongoing, with some marketers also preparing to start importing PMS to avoid potential monopolies and ensure competition, which they believe will benefit consumers by stabilizing prices.